The Mediterranean culinary herb is one of the plants that not only tastes very good to us humans, but is also valued by many pests. Caterpillars in particular often target basil and leave their traces behind.
Is basil attacked by caterpillars?
Basil is one of the plants thatis often attacked by caterpillars. The pests are not only annoying, they also affect the growth of the basil, which in the worst case can even die.
What damage do caterpillars cause to basil?
The following damage can be caused by caterpillars:
- Bite marks on the leaves, as caterpillars like the taste of the basil and eat it
- Slow but steadyEntering of the plant
- Caterpillar excrement, which is found in the form of small black balls on the ground or under the plants and keeps coming back after being wiped away
It is good to know that the bite marks usually appear at night, as the caterpillars that form from the eggs laid by insects on the plant are nocturnal.
What can I do against a caterpillar infestation on basil?
If you have noticed an infestation with caterpillars (by the way, the little creatures are usually found on the underside of the leaves and cannot always be seen with the naked eye) it is important toact quickly. The pests can either becollectedby hand orremoved with tweezers. If there is a severe infestation, it is better to cut off the affected parts of the plant - i.e. entire shoots. The cut shoots must be disposed of so that the pests do not spread to other plants.
How can caterpillar infestation be prevented?
As a home remedy, we recommendSpraying with garlic waterSimply scald crushed garlic with boiling water and spray the basil with the cooled broth.
Does the pest infestation affect anything standing outside Basil, you can also try thecontrolled use of beneficial insects: the spider mite is particularly well suited for this, as are ladybirds.
Can basil infested with caterpillars be eaten?
If the caterpillars can be easily removed by hand and there is no longer any sign of an infestation, the basil canbe eaten without hesitation. However, the harvested leaves must be rinsed very carefully under running water.
What happens if the caterpillars are not controlled?
If the basil is very badly damaged, itcan no longer be saved and must be disposed of. The reason for this is that the pests can also transmit viruses and bacteria that make the basil inedible or even poisonous. If you are unsure, it is better to dispose of the basil with household waste.
Tip
Avoid the chemical club
By avoiding the use of pesticides to combat pests and as a preventive measure against an infestation, you are not only doing something good for yourself (since the herbs are still intended to be consumed), but also for the environment.
